Member's Statement: Marguerite’s Place

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to the many women who have worked so hard on a dream that was finally realized last week.

Eight years ago, the St. John’s Status of Women Council had a vision of a new facility that would combine the Women’s Centre and its wonderful programs with supportive housing in a women-centred environment.

Last week, I was so happy to attend the official opening of Marguerite’s Place, the realization of that dream. This welcoming and accessible building, in the heart of my district of St. John’s Centre, is a physical reminder of what can be accomplished when people work together. 30 years ago when I was coordinator of the Women’s Centre, we could never have imagined such an incredible thing to celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join with me in congratulating the supportive staff of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing, and especially the St. John’s Status of Women Council, and all the people who worked so hard to make this happen.